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With respect to the recent remarkable demonstration in Ireland, we think we can trace the Lord's hand in it, in more respects than one. witnesses, we knew, both in the Russian and Indian wars, with whom the masses in Ireland (secretly prompted by their priests) sympathized. The common saying was, "England's difficulty is Ireland's opportunity;" and Napoleon, as an invader, would have only been too welcome. Now, in connexion with the labours of the Irish Church Missions in the west, and this mighty outpouring of the Spirit of God in the north, we believe a leavening influence will so far spread itself as to lead to a very different reception by a large portion of the community, should an invasion be attempted. Ireland, as a whole, was not to be trusted before; she may be more relied upon now; and this we attribute to the twofold influence to which we have just adverted. But, turning from these considerations, and to bring our remarks to a close, we would direct our readers' attention to the prayerful contemplation of the 46th and 91st Psalms; also to what our Lord says, in connexion with the judgments predicted in the 21st of Luke, which certainly has reference to things to come, as well as to things which have passed. "When these things begin to come to pass," says our precious Lord, "then look up, and lift up your heads, for your redemption .draweth nigh." Standing upon his watch-tower, with his loins girt, and as though in readiness for his Lord's approach, the child of God has not the slightest occasion for fear or disquietude. The judgments which may be coming upon the earth will only further his immortal interests, and bring about the more rapidly that blissful state of things-that happy and glorious consummation-to which, though intercepted with mists and clouds and darkness, his faith has been long and anxiously looking.

"His hand the good man fastens on the skies,
And bids earth roll, nor feels her idle whirl."

Bedminster, Bristol, Nov. 23, 1859.

THE EDITOR.

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THE

GOSPEL MAGAZINE.

"Comfort ye, comfort ye, my People, saith your God."

“Endeavouring to Keep the Unity of the Spirit in the Bond of Peace." "Jesus Christ, the same Yesterday, and To-day, and for Ever. Whom to know is Life

Eternal."

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"And the Lord shall guide thee continually, and satisfy thy soul in drought, and make fat thy bones: and thou shalt be like a watered garden, and like a spring of water, whose waters fail not."-Isaiah lviii. 11.

"Day by day the manna fell, Oh, to learn that lesson well; Still by constant mercy fed,

Give me, Lord, my daily bread.

'Day by day the promise reads,
Daily strength for daily needs;
Cast foreboding thoughts away,
Take the manna of the day."

BELOVED, there is sweet acknowledgment and sound advice in the foregoing lines; and we pray our God that you and ourselves may be enabled, in and by His precious power, to adopt the same. If we did not know something of our own hearts, we should be ready to say, It is time we had learnt to trust the Lord. It is time we had attained to some little degree of confidence in Him. It is time, from the ten thousand thousand proofs we have personally had of His mercy, and goodness, and love, and power, that we could rely upon His faithfulness; for when did He fail, and where, and how? Has He left us in any trial, or forsaken us in any calamity? Hath aught failed? Has a temptation overcome? Was ever the enemy suffered to prevail, or any enemy permitted long to rejoice? Moreover, may we have grace to inquire, with regard to every such trial, or every such enemy, "Was there not a cause?" First, be it our mercy to remember that no trial could assail us, nor any enemy present himself, without the Lord's permission-yea, appointment-(for "out of Him came forth the corner, out of Him the nail, out of Him the battle-bow, out of Him every oppressor together "). Next follows the inquiry, Had the Lord no purpose to answer by such trials or such enemies? Was there no pruning required? Was there no weeding necessary? Was there no pride, no worldliness, nothing of self, that wanted to be subdued? Were our hearts an exception to the general rule as to their

deceit, and treachery, and proneness to betray us into a thousand snares, if so be the Lord did not keep a ceaseless watch over us?

Oh, beloved, the Lord give us grace to view trial, and sorrow, and affliction in this light. It is of no use to be looking at second causes, or be contending with mere instruments.

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Whilst found in this spirit, the object is not gained; the enemy hath not done his work, nor the affliction answered the end for which it was sent ; but if, on the contrary, we are enabled to look above and beyond all minor considerations, and to say of our enemies as David did of Shimei, Let him alone, and let him curse, for the Lord hath bidden him," then we shall enjoy, not only a meekness of spirit, and surrender to the Lord's will, but, in all probability, realize a liberty of soul to exclaim, in common with the Psalmist, "It may be the Lord will look on mine affliction, and that the Lord will requite me good for his cursing this day."

Dear reader, of course we know nothing of your position, nor are we acquainted with your trials; but allow us, in all love and affection, to ask, Are you brought to the state of mind to which we have referred? Are you brought down? Is your own spirit subdued? Has self received a blow? Are you chastened, mellowed, meetened? How sweet this lowliness, this being crumbled into the very dust of self-loathing and abhorrence.

Furthermore, at this season, be it our mercy to consider how far we have got on our journey; to reflect upon what "our eyes have seen of all the great acts of the Lord which He hath done;" to consider the God with whom we have to do, and the covenant by and with which He has pledged Himself; and then let us sing-yes, sing-be our fears whatever they may

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So sang TOPLADY, beloved, nor was he defeated or disappointed; on the contrary, long since he wrote in the pages of this Magazine, has he realized for himself the fulness and the blessedness which he contemplated in others

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Far, far from all distress remov'd,

They know the God whom here they loved;

Temptation, sickness, grief, and care,

Shall never gain admission there."

And what he anticipated for himself—

"A little while, and we shall soar

To yonder promis'd land;

And meet our brethren gone before,
Enthron'd at Thy right hand."

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Oh, beloved, what inconceivable bliss and uninterrupted and everlasting enjoyment is in waiting for us. How well may we cheer up. With what propriety, and for the best of all reasons, may we come to the same conclusion as the Apostle, For I reckon that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory that shall be revealed in us.' The Lord give us grace to say, "If we hope for that we see not, then do we with patience wait for it."

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Beloved, we would enter upon our new year's editorial labours, with an expression of our absolute and entire dependence upon God the Holy Ghost

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